Written by Menswear Style in Tips & Advice on the 6th June 2019

For many men, jeans are the holy grail of their wardrobe. They go with almost any outfit and can be dressed up or down, whether you’re going out for a few drinks with friends or want to look smart yet relaxed for a Friday in the office. They can be pretty much worn for everything aside from a black-tie event. So, why do some guys find it so difficult to pull off a pair of jeans? Chances are, if this sounds like you then you’re not the problem - you might be going for the wrong fit, style or even colour. We’ve put together some top tips to help you pick a perfect pair of jeans that you’re going to rock wherever you wear them.

1. Understanding the Fits Available 

Generally, there are five common fits of men’s jeans. You’ll find a wide choice of jean styles and other men’s denim fashion items at stores such as Edwin Europe, which cater to all different fits, styles, and preferences. You’ll notice when shopping that jeans are marked with labels such as slim, straight or skinny - here's the difference between them: 

Skinny: skinny jeans are popular with women and a relatively new addition to the jeans family in menswear. They offer a tighter fit with a tapered leg opening. They tend to be skinny from hip to hem and generally come in a low to mid-rise style with a zipper fly. 

Slim: slim jeans are somewhere in between - being tight and loose - and a great choice for anybody who’s looking for a fitted jean style that offers a little bit more room than skinny. They are straight through the hip and slim through the thigh with a narrower leg opening. They’re generally a mid-rise style with a zipper fly.  

Regular: these are straight leg jeans, usually with a mid-rise style. The trouser leg typically falls straight from the knee to the hem, with a fairly wide leg opening. They are straight through the hip and thigh. 

Relaxed: these are loose fitting jeans from the waist to the leg opening and won’t hug any part of your body. 

Loose: these jeans are a baggy fit, providing plenty of space from the waist to the hem.

2. Getting the Rise Right  

Apart from the style, another important consideration to take when buying a new pair of jeans is the rise. The rise is the measurement from the crotch to the top of the waistband, and there are four basic options to choose from for men’s jeans: mid-rise, high rise, low rise and low crotch.  

High rise: these jeans are a great choice for bigger guys. They are worn above the belly button, so a great choice for a relaxed outfit where you’re not tucking your shirt into the jeans. 

Mid or medium rise: these are an ideal choice for men who prefer to wear their shirt tucked into their jeans. The waistband just skims the belly button so there’s still plenty of room.  

Low rise: they offer a casual fit and are the perfect choice for a relaxed outfit. They are generally worn below the belly button. 

Low crotch: these jeans are worn low down on the waist. The style tends to be saggy at the hips, rear and seat.

3. Sizing 

Generally, the sizing on a pair of jeans will refer to two different measurements. For example, if the label says 32 x 34, 32 will refer to the waist size, and 34 refers to the inseam length. This is the measurement from the crotch to the floor on the inside leg of the jeans. Usually, measurements are given in inches. To determine which size of jeans is best for you, you should measure your body around your waist and again along your inside leg from your crotch to just below your ankle, where you would wear the jeans. Simply wearing jeans that are well-fitted and the right size for you can make a massive difference to how they look.

4. Choosing Jeans for Your Body Type 

Understanding your body type before purchasing a new pair of jeans is important for getting a style and fit that looks good on you. 

Slim: Straight leg jeans will generally be a good fit on you. If you are slender from top to bottom, with a light build, flat chest, small shoulders and lean muscles, this type of jean is roomy enough to flatter your slender build without drawing unwanted attention to your legs. Avoid wide leg or baggy jeans, as they will look too loose for you, and also skinny jeans, as these will make you look even slimmer. Go for a mid to low-rise; high-rise jeans will make your buttocks appear flatter.  

Athletic: You have a slim waist with muscular quads and peachy buttocks. Slim fit, straight leg and boot-cut jeans will tend to suit you the best. Opt for a low-rise style to show off your toned abs and choose jeans with smaller, wide-set pockets to show off your muscles. Avoid baggy or wide jeans as these will hide the form of your body and create an imbalance. 

Wide hips: You’ll require jeans that have an equal width from the hip to the hem to create more balance in your body. Relaxed fit jeans are a great choice; get them one size up to avoid having them stretch across your groin. Straight-leg, high-rise jeans will maintain an equal width all the way down the jean and create a streamlined look. Loose, wide-leg jeans offer additional comfort and a casual style. 

Large waist: plus-sized men with a larger midsection, thighs, buttocks, and calves can’t go wrong with high-rise jeans, as these will flatter your waist and tuck in your thighs and buttocks. Loose-fitting jeans are a comfortable, flattering option; opt for straight-cut jeans with a wide leg. Avoid skinny and slim-fit jeans as these will create an exaggerated imbalance in your appearance.

We put the spotlight on Understanding the Fits Available, Getting the Rise Right, and Choosing Jeans for Your Body Type in this blog post on Choosing the Right Jeans.